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Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits #2
Live, Love, Spy
Life can often be awkward when you are a child genius. For Louisa Ward, that came in the form of meeting her one true love at age 12. TJ Taggart was perfect. But being a year younger and a full year ahead of him in school always made things weird. Working in the CIA has made her into a strong and capable woman. Until she sees TJ. Fifteen years later, she still gets butterflies every time she sees the gorgeous soldier, but she’s tired of waiting and ready to find love, even if it can’t be with him.
Not everyone knows what they want out of life when they are a teenager, but TJ Taggart could always see exactly where he wanted to go. But joining the Army would require a sacrifice. Since meeting Louisa, TJ knew his cousin’s brilliant, oddball friend was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He couldn’t ask her to live that life with him. She was meant to change the world at some prestigious research job or maybe teach a new generation of geniuses like herself at an Ivy League school. There would be a chance to sweep her off her feet when his time in this dangerous life was done, and their happily ever after could begin.
Before he can make it home on his latest leave, TJ is kidnapped by an unknown adversary. As he waits to die, all he can think of is the time he wasted and how badly he wants to be with Lou. He’s more than a little surprised when his sweet, quiet girl shows up leading a CIA special ops squad to bust him out. Back in Dallas, it’s time to claim the woman of his dreams. He has a plan to win her over, until the adversary who almost killed him returns to finish the job.
Not everyone knows what they want out of life when they are a teenager, but TJ Taggart could always see exactly where he wanted to go. But joining the Army would require a sacrifice. Since meeting Louisa, TJ knew his cousin’s brilliant, oddball friend was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He couldn’t ask her to live that life with him. She was meant to change the world at some prestigious research job or maybe teach a new generation of geniuses like herself at an Ivy League school. There would be a chance to sweep her off her feet when his time in this dangerous life was done, and their happily ever after could begin.
Before he can make it home on his latest leave, TJ is kidnapped by an unknown adversary. As he waits to die, all he can think of is the time he wasted and how badly he wants to be with Lou. He’s more than a little surprised when his sweet, quiet girl shows up leading a CIA special ops squad to bust him out. Back in Dallas, it’s time to claim the woman of his dreams. He has a plan to win her over, until the adversary who almost killed him returns to finish the job.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
433 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
185 books6,385 followersNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
March 10, 2024
4 STARS
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will never get get enough of this series. And the next generation spinoff is absolutely addicting. More so with the cameos of my favorite characters as parents. But I digress.
This is Lou and TJ's story. And I've been eagerly anticipating when TJ would finally get his head out of his a*s when it came to Lou. They've been friends their entire life and TJ has been fighting his pull to Lou for years. He's convinced himself that he's not good enough for his genius best friend and that he's doing her a favor to push them firmly in the friend zone. You know. A tale as old as time. But then he gets taken while on a mission and the near death experience has him re-evaluating everything, including the time he spent pushing away the woman he loves.
The only problem now is that it may be a little too late for Lou and she doesn't believe him. She thinks it's the near death experience and adrenaline. So what's a girl to do? Push the guy back in the friend zone, date, but also accept a D/s arrangement because a girl's got needs.
You get the signature suspense and snarky humor with a sweet romance to go along with it. Friends to lovers isn't my favorite trope but I absolutely loved it here. If you're a fan of this trope than you definitely need to read it. A page turner with a sizzling romance, I enjoyed it from beginning to finish.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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He was so in love with her, and she didn’t believe him.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will never get get enough of this series. And the next generation spinoff is absolutely addicting. More so with the cameos of my favorite characters as parents. But I digress.
This is Lou and TJ's story. And I've been eagerly anticipating when TJ would finally get his head out of his a*s when it came to Lou. They've been friends their entire life and TJ has been fighting his pull to Lou for years. He's convinced himself that he's not good enough for his genius best friend and that he's doing her a favor to push them firmly in the friend zone. You know. A tale as old as time. But then he gets taken while on a mission and the near death experience has him re-evaluating everything, including the time he spent pushing away the woman he loves.
The only problem now is that it may be a little too late for Lou and she doesn't believe him. She thinks it's the near death experience and adrenaline. So what's a girl to do? Push the guy back in the friend zone, date, but also accept a D/s arrangement because a girl's got needs.
You get the signature suspense and snarky humor with a sweet romance to go along with it. Friends to lovers isn't my favorite trope but I absolutely loved it here. If you're a fan of this trope than you definitely need to read it. A page turner with a sizzling romance, I enjoyed it from beginning to finish.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
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February 13, 2024
Lexi's ability to write consistently good installments, over 20 books into a series, truly astounds me.
If I were brand-new to this series, would I be giving it 5 stars? No, I freely admit I wouldn't - at least one star, maybe 1.5, is sheerly because of just how much I love the Masters & Mercenaries world and characters. Now that we're into the kids' books, we're seeing so much more of the OG couples too, and I LOVE seeing which of the kids is getting paired off with whom. (I'M DYNG FOR KALA AND COOPER'S BOOK!) This series genuinely could be never-ending.
But this particular book also deserves a high rating for its own merits. TJ and Louisa have been best friends for most of their lives, since she was a gangly 12-year-old nerd and he the popular athlete. She's been in love with him for just as long. He loves her too, but he hasn't been in love with her - until he's abducted on a night out and realises that not starting a life with her is one of his biggest regrets. Too bad that's when she's decided to finally move on... just after she rescues him, of course.
So much to love about this book. For one, safety gang friends, TJ ISN'T a manwhore; notwithstanding the optics, he and Lou have slept with the same number of people. For another, this is actually a slow-burn, and they genuinely talk through and dissect their relationship with much more depth than I expected. No easy ride for TJ here. The reframing of Lou's pining was a particularly interesting twist.
In the interests of fairness, I will say that the ending felt a bit rushed, and I can't bring myself to have any investment at all in the wider plot - I read strictly for the relationship drama, humour and characters. But that's enough to get this to a 5-star rating, so I really can't complain...
March 16, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Live, Love, Spy is the second book in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. This book served as my introduction to the work of Lexie Blake. I chose this book, without realizing that it was part of a series. The synopsis made me curious about the story embedded in the pages of the book. Top secret mission, CIA, hero kidnapped, heroine rescuing the hero, friends to lovers, and unrequited love, were all the things promised with this instalment.
Regrettably, Live, Love, Spy failed to live up to my expectations. It would seem that making this book my introduction to the author's work wasn't a good idea. Firstly, it took awhile to get into the story. For a story advertised as romantic suspense, it was rather slow. I was tempted to DNF it several times, but I held on, hoping the pace would pick up, and I would get the story I so desired.
The hero and heroine frustrated me for the entire story. First, the hero claimed to have loved the heroine since childhood, but he never felt he was good enough for her, so for years he friend zoned her. It took his kidnapping, and a rescue effort led by the heroine, to make him acknowledge his need for her. Of course, she did not buy into his revelation, and so the frustrating drama begins. He tried to persuade her, but she rejected him each time. It's obvious to everyone around them that they both loved each other, if only they would both get out of their heads and focus on what was in front of them.
The suspense thread took awhile to build up. It wasn't until about the last thirty percent of the book that things began unravelling and danger came knocking once again. All went well at this point until the ending, which revealed that the threat was not over.
I see where some reviewers mentioned the feature of soft BDSM. With my limited knowledge of BDSM, I cannot concur if it was soft or hard. All I can say, it didn't take over the story. The supporting cast added some flavour to the story with their sarcasm and humour, making the story easier to digest.
Although not my cup of tea, I've seen where other readers have enjoyed it. So, if frustrating drama and indecisive characters are your thing then look no further than Live, Love, Spy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Live, Love, Spy is the second book in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. This book served as my introduction to the work of Lexie Blake. I chose this book, without realizing that it was part of a series. The synopsis made me curious about the story embedded in the pages of the book. Top secret mission, CIA, hero kidnapped, heroine rescuing the hero, friends to lovers, and unrequited love, were all the things promised with this instalment.
Regrettably, Live, Love, Spy failed to live up to my expectations. It would seem that making this book my introduction to the author's work wasn't a good idea. Firstly, it took awhile to get into the story. For a story advertised as romantic suspense, it was rather slow. I was tempted to DNF it several times, but I held on, hoping the pace would pick up, and I would get the story I so desired.
The hero and heroine frustrated me for the entire story. First, the hero claimed to have loved the heroine since childhood, but he never felt he was good enough for her, so for years he friend zoned her. It took his kidnapping, and a rescue effort led by the heroine, to make him acknowledge his need for her. Of course, she did not buy into his revelation, and so the frustrating drama begins. He tried to persuade her, but she rejected him each time. It's obvious to everyone around them that they both loved each other, if only they would both get out of their heads and focus on what was in front of them.
The suspense thread took awhile to build up. It wasn't until about the last thirty percent of the book that things began unravelling and danger came knocking once again. All went well at this point until the ending, which revealed that the threat was not over.
I see where some reviewers mentioned the feature of soft BDSM. With my limited knowledge of BDSM, I cannot concur if it was soft or hard. All I can say, it didn't take over the story. The supporting cast added some flavour to the story with their sarcasm and humour, making the story easier to digest.
Although not my cup of tea, I've seen where other readers have enjoyed it. So, if frustrating drama and indecisive characters are your thing then look no further than Live, Love, Spy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 5, 2024
Lou has been in love with TJ for years, and he has always been her protector thinking that was the only thing he was good for in the brilliant Lou's life. But now that TJ has found himself kidnapped and being tortured and the person leading the team to rescue him is his sweet Louisa, whom he believes should be behind the computer screen not out in the field where her life would be in danger, he has seen Lou in a new light and it's time to make his move. TJ needs to show Lou how much he loves her, but there's danger around every corner. Will TJ and Lou have a chance at finding their HEA or will the bad guys win this round?
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLLS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLLS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
April 10, 2024
Lexi Blake does it to me every time. I have been waiting on pins and needles for Louisa and TJ, and Live, Love, Spy does NOT disappoint.
There's intrigue, there's mysteries, there's an incredible cast of new characters intertwined with old favorites, and spicy hot sex scenes. My only complaint is having to wait for the next one because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
There's intrigue, there's mysteries, there's an incredible cast of new characters intertwined with old favorites, and spicy hot sex scenes. My only complaint is having to wait for the next one because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
March 14, 2024
Live, Love, Spy
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I loved the Louisa was the one doing the rescuing. I love when a FMC is strong and capable. Louisa was so much more than strong and capable!
I really enjoyed that they were both so into each other years before being reunited.
Will I be reading more of Lexi Blake’s work? Yes, absolutely. Will I be reading more of Masters & Mercenaries and Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits series? YES.
Back in my spy era. I am very happy to be here.
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I loved the Louisa was the one doing the rescuing. I love when a FMC is strong and capable. Louisa was so much more than strong and capable!
I really enjoyed that they were both so into each other years before being reunited.
Will I be reading more of Lexi Blake’s work? Yes, absolutely. Will I be reading more of Masters & Mercenaries and Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits series? YES.
Back in my spy era. I am very happy to be here.
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
February 22, 2024
The mystery twists. The secrets build. And a few answers are provided, while even more questions pile up. There were a few surprises and one thing that I knew had to go exactly as it did, but the most enjoyable part of this story? Beyond Ian being his dramatic, hilarious self, I mean. The best part? TJ and his self-proclaimed mission statement!
This is a guy who appeared to string Lou and her heart along, but as the layers are peeled back, it seems that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Luckily, some of the OGs saw it years ago, and they’re ready to set the record straight when necessary now. Even luckier is the fact that TJ won’t give up. He knows it’s his time. He can taste all that he’s finally going to allow himself to have. He just has to convince Lou it’s forever and not just for now.
This is an excellent addition to the Taggart family saga and antics. Sure, we have more to sort out. But won’t it be a fun ride?
This is a guy who appeared to string Lou and her heart along, but as the layers are peeled back, it seems that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Luckily, some of the OGs saw it years ago, and they’re ready to set the record straight when necessary now. Even luckier is the fact that TJ won’t give up. He knows it’s his time. He can taste all that he’s finally going to allow himself to have. He just has to convince Lou it’s forever and not just for now.
This is an excellent addition to the Taggart family saga and antics. Sure, we have more to sort out. But won’t it be a fun ride?
March 12, 2024
DNF at 35%.
The H is a controlling jackass who thinks he always knows what's best and every time there is a disagreement, no matter how minor, his way is correct and her opinion doesn't even factor into the equation.
He spends most of his life dating other women while sabotaging her love life, because he doesn't think he's good enough for her, but of course he knows what's best and no one is good enough for her, so she should just be alone and lonely and fuck what she wants, she is just immature and doesn't know her own mind, while he knows what's best for her, end of story.
Until one day he suddenly decides he wants her and she should just submit and she gets no choice in the matter. Her opinions don't factor into his thinking, he decides he's ready for her and she gets no choice. And since she is a doormat, of course she goes along with it, even letting her finger fuck him at the kitchen table with his entire family there....just disgusting. Nothing about this was sexy or romantic in the slightest.
I belatedly realized this was not a book that could be really read as a standalone, that you really need to know and care about all the extended family members to care about the story, since they all read as assholes on the page, but maybe if you had read previous books you know them better and don't immediately find almost every character so off-putting? So even if controlling jackass is your brand of romance, this isn't the kind of book you can enjoy as a stand alone. Though I don't understand how anyone could enjoy it at all, to each their own.
The H is a controlling jackass who thinks he always knows what's best and every time there is a disagreement, no matter how minor, his way is correct and her opinion doesn't even factor into the equation.
He spends most of his life dating other women while sabotaging her love life, because he doesn't think he's good enough for her, but of course he knows what's best and no one is good enough for her, so she should just be alone and lonely and fuck what she wants, she is just immature and doesn't know her own mind, while he knows what's best for her, end of story.
Until one day he suddenly decides he wants her and she should just submit and she gets no choice in the matter. Her opinions don't factor into his thinking, he decides he's ready for her and she gets no choice. And since she is a doormat, of course she goes along with it, even letting her finger fuck him at the kitchen table with his entire family there....just disgusting. Nothing about this was sexy or romantic in the slightest.
I belatedly realized this was not a book that could be really read as a standalone, that you really need to know and care about all the extended family members to care about the story, since they all read as assholes on the page, but maybe if you had read previous books you know them better and don't immediately find almost every character so off-putting? So even if controlling jackass is your brand of romance, this isn't the kind of book you can enjoy as a stand alone. Though I don't understand how anyone could enjoy it at all, to each their own.
February 20, 2024
Live, Love, Spy (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits, #2; Masters & Mercenaries, #28) by Lexi Blake
3 stars
M/F Romance
Some light BDSM dynamics
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is TJ's story. I really like TJ, despite him always being the butt of his family's jokes. He's loyal and an alpha, but he is also a great friend.
Louisa is a nerdy girl who has always felt a little out of place. When she is befriended by TJ and his family, Louisa finds her people. She loves her friends and family and has loved TJ for most of her life. When she needs someone, he's always there for her.
When TJ is under suspicion of being a foreign bomber, his family will rally around him and figure out who's targeting him. Louisa shows her true skills and shows TJ that she's ready for him and that he's worthy of her.
This was the slowest of the series so far, for me. It didn't really start to pick up until about 50% through. The back and forth between TJ and Lou was slow and a little annoying. It was the same argument for 30% of the story and it was an old argument.
Also, for me, the ending was super quick and I was left wanting a little. I do really want to read the next book, but despite being excited for TJ's story, I was slightly disappointed.
3 stars
M/F Romance
Some light BDSM dynamics
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is TJ's story. I really like TJ, despite him always being the butt of his family's jokes. He's loyal and an alpha, but he is also a great friend.
Louisa is a nerdy girl who has always felt a little out of place. When she is befriended by TJ and his family, Louisa finds her people. She loves her friends and family and has loved TJ for most of her life. When she needs someone, he's always there for her.
When TJ is under suspicion of being a foreign bomber, his family will rally around him and figure out who's targeting him. Louisa shows her true skills and shows TJ that she's ready for him and that he's worthy of her.
This was the slowest of the series so far, for me. It didn't really start to pick up until about 50% through. The back and forth between TJ and Lou was slow and a little annoying. It was the same argument for 30% of the story and it was an old argument.
Also, for me, the ending was super quick and I was left wanting a little. I do really want to read the next book, but despite being excited for TJ's story, I was slightly disappointed.
March 27, 2024
Probably the lowest I've ever rated her book, the FMc was annoying and the drama dragged with no real communication, the myster of who the Jester is was pretty obvious, kinda sad about it tbh
March 6, 2024
3.75 stars. This was a good addition to the Masters and Mercenaries kids series. Live, Love, Spy is Lou and TJ's story. Lou is Boomer's daughter and TJ is Erin and Theo Taggart's son. They grew up as close friends and developed feelings for each other secretly, but never acted on them. Lou has always been a genius with big dreams of the future, but TJ has felt like he wasn't worthy of her or smart enough for her romantically. Lou always felt like too much of a nerd to be more than friends for him. He went into the military and Lou went on college without him. But then she went from college to the CIA team where she works with the Taggart kids. When TJ is kidnapped and accused of working with an international arms dealer, Lou is sent in to save him, which opens his eyes to who she really is now. He sees that she is no academic, shrinking violet and that there might actually be a future between him and the woman he has secretly loved for years. Lou is reluctant because TJ has not shown any romantic interest before, but as they work together to clear his name, she too soon sees that they are meant to be together.
This story was good as Ms. Blake's always are. I liked Lou and really liked TJ. He adored Lou so much and was a sweetie. Lou was a little stubborn for my taste and pushed him away a good bit. I wanted to see a little more of their close friendship before it turned romantic, so that I had more evidence of how much they already loved each other, even if they didn't admit it. While I didn't quite love this book as much as book one, I did enjoy it. I really liked TJ and Lou as a couple once they got together. I definitely felt like they were meant to be, even if I wanted them to struggle less. Also, I loved Kala and Lou's close friendship. They were awesome together and I was glad Kala had Lou to lean on at times. I love glimpses of the other couples to come in this series, especially Kala and Cooper and Tristan/Aidan/Carys. I can't wait for more from this series; it's just as good as the original. Lexi Blake is such a consistently great author and I love the Masters and Mercenary world.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This story was good as Ms. Blake's always are. I liked Lou and really liked TJ. He adored Lou so much and was a sweetie. Lou was a little stubborn for my taste and pushed him away a good bit. I wanted to see a little more of their close friendship before it turned romantic, so that I had more evidence of how much they already loved each other, even if they didn't admit it. While I didn't quite love this book as much as book one, I did enjoy it. I really liked TJ and Lou as a couple once they got together. I definitely felt like they were meant to be, even if I wanted them to struggle less. Also, I loved Kala and Lou's close friendship. They were awesome together and I was glad Kala had Lou to lean on at times. I love glimpses of the other couples to come in this series, especially Kala and Cooper and Tristan/Aidan/Carys. I can't wait for more from this series; it's just as good as the original. Lexi Blake is such a consistently great author and I love the Masters and Mercenary world.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 24, 2024
Lou and TJ finally have their moment, and it is a thing of beauty! Lou has been pining for TJ since she was fourteen, and TJ has likewise been pining for Lou. But Lou is a genius and meant for great things, and TJ believes he's not good enough or smart enough for her. He's convinced himself he'll only hold her back, and that they'll eventually end up resenting each other and losing their friendship. He'd rather have her in his life as his best friend then not at all. But he's a man so he's not good at communicating that, and so for years Lou believes he's rejecting her because he doesn't want her. Fast forward twelve years, and TJ gets kidnapped by a German mobster looking for a terrorist called The Jester, a man that TJ doesn't know. Lou figures out that TJ has been captured, and their team makes a plan to rescue him. TJ is devastated when his captures bring Lou into his holding room. He realizes that he can't live without her, and he's been foolish to push her away for so long. But Lou isn't going to give him an easy time. Lou and the team get him out, and now it's a fight to find out why several agencies believe that TJ is connected to a known terrorists.
Lou has a hard time compartmentalizing, especially with so much being thrown on her all at once. She's wanted TJ for so long, but just when she's decided to move on with her life, he decides he's ready to go all in. To say she's afraid and unsure would be an understatement. At times I felt really bad for TJ, but honestly I'm glad Lou didn't just hop in line. I'm glad she made him work for it, and boy did he. I'm not really into the BDSM scene, but Lexi gives us so much more than that. We've got suspense, mystery, action, sexy spies and spice. This was a really good read, and I look forward to more in this series.
Lou has a hard time compartmentalizing, especially with so much being thrown on her all at once. She's wanted TJ for so long, but just when she's decided to move on with her life, he decides he's ready to go all in. To say she's afraid and unsure would be an understatement. At times I felt really bad for TJ, but honestly I'm glad Lou didn't just hop in line. I'm glad she made him work for it, and boy did he. I'm not really into the BDSM scene, but Lexi gives us so much more than that. We've got suspense, mystery, action, sexy spies and spice. This was a really good read, and I look forward to more in this series.
March 21, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟
I'm not even sure what to say anymore. I LOVE this series. We are on the second generation of this wacky "Found Family" of crazy spies and are now dealing with the next generation of "adult" kids. They are just as crazy bonkers as the first gen crew. But luckily for us - we are already in love with every single one of them - so their absolutely crazy, neurotic, bats**t behavior just slides off our backs at this point.
This is seriously a series that I can not explain in a way that would make ANY amount of sense to any one else who is not on this crazy ride with me. I'm not even sure if someone just dropping in to this book as a stand alone would even like this book - when those of us who have been along for EACH of the previous 28 books just are THRILLED the second we see a new entry .......definitely not able to explain the feeling.
About the book - we are deep into another large over arching drama that has a few sub plots between the CIA, MI6, the Australian and the Canadian..... - but we are FINALLY going to find out what the heck is going on with the trio...and WHY the heck Tristan has been MIA for the last couple of years.
Are you confused? Yep, you should be. The kids (well, I guess they're not kids anymore)- Kala, Kenzie, Lou, Connor, TJ,......who am I missing? The ones that are giving Big Tag chest pains.... Well, let's just say that the trio has some 'splaining to do....... and I am extremely interested in what these answers are going to be.
I'm not even sure what to say anymore. I LOVE this series. We are on the second generation of this wacky "Found Family" of crazy spies and are now dealing with the next generation of "adult" kids. They are just as crazy bonkers as the first gen crew. But luckily for us - we are already in love with every single one of them - so their absolutely crazy, neurotic, bats**t behavior just slides off our backs at this point.
This is seriously a series that I can not explain in a way that would make ANY amount of sense to any one else who is not on this crazy ride with me. I'm not even sure if someone just dropping in to this book as a stand alone would even like this book - when those of us who have been along for EACH of the previous 28 books just are THRILLED the second we see a new entry .......definitely not able to explain the feeling.
About the book - we are deep into another large over arching drama that has a few sub plots between the CIA, MI6, the Australian and the Canadian..... - but we are FINALLY going to find out what the heck is going on with the trio...and WHY the heck Tristan has been MIA for the last couple of years.
Are you confused? Yep, you should be. The kids (well, I guess they're not kids anymore)- Kala, Kenzie, Lou, Connor, TJ,......who am I missing? The ones that are giving Big Tag chest pains.... Well, let's just say that the trio has some 'splaining to do....... and I am extremely interested in what these answers are going to be.
April 1, 2024
Disclaimer: An eARC copy was provided via Valentine PR and the Author in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
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Brilliant second edition to the second generation of Taggart - McKay family. While this book can be read as standalone; trust me this is a series; you really do not want to miss out on the experience that is the Masters and Mercenary Series!
However, If you love:
- Found Family
- Romance Tinged with Adventure and Suspense
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- "She fell First but He Fell Harder" Trope
This is the second book in the series; and while its all about the love that never got the right time between TJ and Louisa; it lays the foundation to the next books in the series perfectly and I can't wait to read the rest of the series asap!
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February 19, 2024
I didn’t think anything could be as good as the original Master and Mercenaries series, but the new generation of characters are developing equally as captivating and are as diverse, intelligent, and charismatic as their parents. Even so, it is still their parents who bring so much to the story. Ian’s ranting after seeing Lou’s pink bits made me laugh so hard I cried and had to stop reading for a while. Then there was the parental advice from both TJ and Lou’s parents that was both poignant and heartwarming and let’s not forget the parrot! So many twists and turns along with betrayals and heartbreak but also all these characters are coming into their own and their stories keep us glued to the edge of our seats.
February 26, 2024
As a long-time fan and avid reader of all things Lexi Blake, it is hard for me to say that I have not felt the same connection to the New Recruits as all the previous books in the Masters and Mercenaries, Topped, Sanctum Nights, Forgotten and Reloaded series.
While I do love the idea of a next generation trope, both Love the Way You Spy and Live, Love, Spy took me longer to get into and I think part of this was because I struggled with the inconsistencies regarding age, and I ended up with a little whiplash trying to figure out from one chapter to the next exactly how old each of the younger spies were, as the timelines didn’t add up.
But all this aside, this is only my point of view and as always Ms Blake’s writing was impeccable, the storyline flowed nicely, and the plot continue to thicken until the ultimate climax (no pun intended). For me this story really took off around halfway and from there it was full steam ahead!
TJ and Lou will never be my favourite characters, as there was far too much drama and inner dialogue and I found myself getting bored, but as always, the addition of Big Tag and other members of the OG crew added plenty of humour and inappropriateness to keep me entertained. If I had to pick one thing about this book I liked most, it would be the role Erin Taggart played throughout, and especially in the epilogue.
I will always read anything M Blake writes as she is simply too talented NOT to pick up any of her books, I just find the New Recruits stories a bit erratic.
While I do love the idea of a next generation trope, both Love the Way You Spy and Live, Love, Spy took me longer to get into and I think part of this was because I struggled with the inconsistencies regarding age, and I ended up with a little whiplash trying to figure out from one chapter to the next exactly how old each of the younger spies were, as the timelines didn’t add up.
But all this aside, this is only my point of view and as always Ms Blake’s writing was impeccable, the storyline flowed nicely, and the plot continue to thicken until the ultimate climax (no pun intended). For me this story really took off around halfway and from there it was full steam ahead!
TJ and Lou will never be my favourite characters, as there was far too much drama and inner dialogue and I found myself getting bored, but as always, the addition of Big Tag and other members of the OG crew added plenty of humour and inappropriateness to keep me entertained. If I had to pick one thing about this book I liked most, it would be the role Erin Taggart played throughout, and especially in the epilogue.
I will always read anything M Blake writes as she is simply too talented NOT to pick up any of her books, I just find the New Recruits stories a bit erratic.
February 16, 2024
I’ll admit it, there were moments when I actually LOL’d when reading this book! A few of those times came from the new crew, but mostly it was the OG’s, and I fell in love with Theo and Erin all over again because of it <3 But this isn’t their story, this is TJ and Lou’s story, and these two have some baggage to get over. Being as close as they are, you wouldn’t think so, but they have been hiding some stuff from everyone. And when Lou’s mom sits her down and makes her see what’s what, I was sobbing right along with Lou. I am loving the storyline that is threading throughout this series, and we are only two books into it! Great heat, amazing suspense, twists you don’t see coming, and more next gen to love, what could better <3
March 16, 2024
maybe more 2.5 stars…
Too much banter that was supposed to be fun but just was irritating with Big Tag. Also, these folks are supposed to be elite spies?! And they can’t keep their hands off each other? It was just too much and I started skimming.
Too much banter that was supposed to be fun but just was irritating with Big Tag. Also, these folks are supposed to be elite spies?! And they can’t keep their hands off each other? It was just too much and I started skimming.
April 5, 2024
Well.
This is the next book in the newest series, which features the new generation. First up, we have Lou and TJ.
TJ is the son of Erin and Theo, both great characters in Masters and Mercenaries. Lou is the stepdaughter of Boomer, another interesting character from the old series. With such great backgrounds, I expected some great new grown-up characters and a book full of terrific action, funny but meaningful dialogue, and hot as hell sex.
Alas, it was not to be.
Instead, we got a mostly YA story filled with endless, high schoolish dialogue between characters who displayed much younger than their chronological ages. There is so much endless dialogue that it quickly becomes boring. I love dialogue, but this was just constant, almost childish discussion of the same topics over and over and over. This didn't push the plot along. It was just a stream of the same talk amongst friends that were way beyond too involved in each other's minutiae.
The "action" was almost non-existent unless you count the number of "will they, won't they" and when scenarios. Ok, there were the ubiquitous kidnappings, but that was about it.
Outside of the high school level dialogue, the other YA indicator was the full court press to "keep Lou safe" during her actual high school years. The confessions by all her friends about their participation in keeping her from dating or making other friends outside their social circle was nothing short of juvenile. It was a consistent topic throughout the book.
I had a difficult time swallowing that this young woman would consider taking on the same man who spent years rejecting her. His reasoning was ridiculous to the extreme, and again, it shows the very juvenile path that's plaguing this series. Lou's almost immediate capitulation made no sense. Or, at least, it certainly wasn't an example of the self-respect that should be a part of someone so accomplished. It was not only painful to watch, but it just didn't make sense.
Through all the Masters and Mercenaries series, both female and male leads were fascinating, well drawn characters with rich stories. Despite the supposed ages of these new characters and their professed skills, they don't seem like adults. Their only "story" is their connection to family and each other. This is territory we all know well, as it's been part of numerous books and novellas. There's not much revelation here for people who are supposed to be almost 30 years old.
I'm super disappointed. Lexi Blake has been a huge favorite of mine since the first Masters and Mercenaries book came out. Tasha's story was OK, but I was hoping for significant improvements in the next installment. Nope.
P.S. Ok, this is picky as hell, but the cover...just no. That guy barely looks old enough to shave. Sorry, but I had to say it out loud.
This is the next book in the newest series, which features the new generation. First up, we have Lou and TJ.
TJ is the son of Erin and Theo, both great characters in Masters and Mercenaries. Lou is the stepdaughter of Boomer, another interesting character from the old series. With such great backgrounds, I expected some great new grown-up characters and a book full of terrific action, funny but meaningful dialogue, and hot as hell sex.
Alas, it was not to be.
Instead, we got a mostly YA story filled with endless, high schoolish dialogue between characters who displayed much younger than their chronological ages. There is so much endless dialogue that it quickly becomes boring. I love dialogue, but this was just constant, almost childish discussion of the same topics over and over and over. This didn't push the plot along. It was just a stream of the same talk amongst friends that were way beyond too involved in each other's minutiae.
The "action" was almost non-existent unless you count the number of "will they, won't they" and when scenarios. Ok, there were the ubiquitous kidnappings, but that was about it.
Outside of the high school level dialogue, the other YA indicator was the full court press to "keep Lou safe" during her actual high school years. The confessions by all her friends about their participation in keeping her from dating or making other friends outside their social circle was nothing short of juvenile. It was a consistent topic throughout the book.
I had a difficult time swallowing that this young woman would consider taking on the same man who spent years rejecting her. His reasoning was ridiculous to the extreme, and again, it shows the very juvenile path that's plaguing this series. Lou's almost immediate capitulation made no sense. Or, at least, it certainly wasn't an example of the self-respect that should be a part of someone so accomplished. It was not only painful to watch, but it just didn't make sense.
Through all the Masters and Mercenaries series, both female and male leads were fascinating, well drawn characters with rich stories. Despite the supposed ages of these new characters and their professed skills, they don't seem like adults. Their only "story" is their connection to family and each other. This is territory we all know well, as it's been part of numerous books and novellas. There's not much revelation here for people who are supposed to be almost 30 years old.
I'm super disappointed. Lexi Blake has been a huge favorite of mine since the first Masters and Mercenaries book came out. Tasha's story was OK, but I was hoping for significant improvements in the next installment. Nope.
P.S. Ok, this is picky as hell, but the cover...just no. That guy barely looks old enough to shave. Sorry, but I had to say it out loud.
April 22, 2024
Continuing the Masters and Mercenaries series, Live, Love, Spy is the story of TJ Taggart and the love of his life, Louisa Ward. TJ had been Lou’s protector pretty much since the day he’d met the child prodigy she’d been. They’d been each others unspoken first loves but TJ knew he couldn’t match her brains and not wanting to hold her back, kept her at arms lengths making her his best friend. Now years later, facing death TJ has an epiphany of sorts, deciding if he survived, he was going to claim Lou, but Lou had finally grown tired of waiting for him to come to his senses and once she’d rescued him, she was going to find a man worthy of her.
I went into this book so anti-TJ, feeling that he’d kept Lou dangling on a string for years but Live Love Spy forces not only Lou to take a long, hard look at her actions throughout their relationship but regular readers as well who have had a backseat view throughout the previous books. She’d inadvertently made him the bad guy and this reader had fell for it which was totally unfair to the man who’d always put her first even when it didn’t seem like it. Don’t worry, this book isn’t all emotional - as if any book that had the legendary Big Tag in it could possibly be! He was at his dramatic best and had me laughing at his antics along with the other seniors as their children made their eyes and ears bleed as they did their best to emulate their elders when it came to their sexual escapades. The overall plot that began in the previous book continues here with TJ somehow being dragged into things which allowed for the reappearance of a certain Canadian spy and with the introduction of a couple of next gen British agents, this series is gearing up to be quite the United Nations of spies.
I went into this book so anti-TJ, feeling that he’d kept Lou dangling on a string for years but Live Love Spy forces not only Lou to take a long, hard look at her actions throughout their relationship but regular readers as well who have had a backseat view throughout the previous books. She’d inadvertently made him the bad guy and this reader had fell for it which was totally unfair to the man who’d always put her first even when it didn’t seem like it. Don’t worry, this book isn’t all emotional - as if any book that had the legendary Big Tag in it could possibly be! He was at his dramatic best and had me laughing at his antics along with the other seniors as their children made their eyes and ears bleed as they did their best to emulate their elders when it came to their sexual escapades. The overall plot that began in the previous book continues here with TJ somehow being dragged into things which allowed for the reappearance of a certain Canadian spy and with the introduction of a couple of next gen British agents, this series is gearing up to be quite the United Nations of spies.
March 5, 2024
Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google
Louisa "Lou" Ward has spent her entire childhood and into adulthood pining after her best friend, TJ. They may be besties, but TJ has never seemed to return her more than friendly feelings, so she's finally come to the realization that she needs to move on. Oh, not from their friendship, no, just from her pining. So she's dating and trying to find the one who will fill the void inside her. If only TJ didn't seem to suddenly come to the conclusion, after she heroically rescues him, that NOW is the time he wants her.
TJ has loved Lou nearly his entire life, but never felt as if he were good enough or smart enough for her. So he spent their entire relationship loving her from afar, keeping all the jerks away from her, and wishing he could be the man for her. But when he sees her in action, calmly executing an op to rescue him, it's as if the veil was lifted from his eyes. Now he's on mission to claim her. Along the way he'll find he has the backing of some important family members, some of the younger ones will have his head on a stake if he continues to hurt Lou, and most importantly, that he was completely wrong about the strength of his Lou's backbone. He had no doubts about her superior brain, just other parts of her like her strength. Now he just has to convince Lou he's all in, even if it means he has to take her over his knee to do so...
Dang, these two did my head in with their back and forth, but I loved every page of it, and could see both their sides. Thank God for the og's, because they saw all, and gave good advice to this pair of soulmates. I love TJ's way of getting Lou out of her overthinking head, and when she finally submitted, whew, their chemistry is fire! The "case" brought up a lot more questions, gave us some serious action scenes, where Lou got to show off her previously unknown (to TJ at least) operational chops, and made me even more anxious to finally get to the heart of what's been going on. That little revelation at the end? Dammit, now I am dying with impatience for their story when Sweet Little Spies finally releases.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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dnf
July 18, 2024DNF at 34%
I think the book was just all over the place for me and I couldn’t see myself finishing it.
I think the book was just all over the place for me and I couldn’t see myself finishing it.
March 5, 2024
Check out our full post for LIVE, LOVE, SPY on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book on the new series, but unbelievably book 28 in the whole Masters & Mercenaries collection – and I have loved them all. It is such fun seeing the original crew watching their children make similar mistakes on the job and fall deeply in love, just as they did. I also find myself giggling every time they embarrass their children with their very own brand of PDAs!
TJ has always had low opinion of himself due to his brawn over brain nature – and when he falls in love as a teenager with Louisa, Boomer's super intelligent stepdaughter, he knows he has to stay away and let her find someone much more suitable. Annoyingly, he does not see in front of him in Boomer the very man who proved that everyone has different talents, and love is not determined by equality in all things. So, he joins the army and keeps Louisa at arm's length... although spends all his downtime with her, as a friend.
Louisa is sick to death of her unrequited love for TJ and has finally decided to move on... when everything kicks off in this book. I always love the spy crazy, it ties together so cleverly across all the series, so I am well aware of all the protagonists and just how merciless some of the baddies can be. Another very exciting move forward in the fight against evil.
As TJ and Louisa finally get together in their club, well away from their parents in Sanctum, TJ finally realises how he adds to her life, and just how big the challenge is to convince her he is serious.
Loved it from cover to cover and am already wishing time away for the next installment!
Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love the way this series can continue from the original and the kids can get into their own kind of trouble. This author has a way of spinning a mystery and suspense that will keep you on the edge until the end. And that is why I love the Masters & Mercenaries and now the New Recruits.
Lou and TJ are the couple that no one thinks should end up together. But TJ knew she belonged to him since they were in high school. Lou has loved him since she was 12. But no one thinks the girl genius and the Army guy will make it, now it is time for TJ to prove to everyone that Lou belongs to him.
When TJ is kidnapped, he can't believe Lou is there to rescue him along with the rest of the special ops team. Now he has to show her they belong together, and she might be the hardest one to convince.
I love the way this team gets along, they are the perfect special ops team. This story is filled with suspense, a little mystery, soft BDSM, friendship, family, and love. Everything I find that makes a story awesome and I can't wait for more.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Hidden because they may contain spoilers.
This is TJ's story. I really like TJ, despite him always being the butt of his family's jokes. He's loyal and an alpha, but he is also a great friend.
Louisa is a nerdy girl who has always felt a little out of place. When she is befriended by TJ and his family, Louisa finds her people. She loves her friends and family and has loved TJ for most of her life. When she needs someone, he's always there for her.
When TJ is under suspicion of being a foreign bomber, his family will rally around him and figure out who's targeting him. Louisa shows her true skills and shows TJ that she's ready for him and that he's worthy of her.
This was the slowest of the series so far, for me. It didn't really start to pick up until about 50% through. The back and forth between TJ and Lou was slow and a little annoying. It was the same argument for 30% of the story and it was an old argument.
Also, for me, the ending was super quick, and I was left wanting a little. I do really want to read the next book, but despite being excited for TJ's story, I was slightly disappointed.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
August 15, 2025
I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. It was supposed to be a standalone, so even though I knew there were books before this one in the series, I started here anyway. And, oh boy… what a decision that was. You can understand the main story, but so many things became confusing that at some point I just gave up trying to make sense of it all — the complicated family connections, who’s related to who, which storyline is based on what… it all felt like a big mess for someone starting the series here.
That said, I LOVED the secondary characters. The twins were amazing, and I was really invested in the little sneak peeks of Kala and Cooper’s relationship, as well as Tristan, Carys, and Aiden. Maybe my rating for this book would be higher if I had started from the first one, but in my opinion, this series really shouldn’t be marketed as “interconnected standalones.”
The writing was good, and the plot itself was also solid, but OMG… the protagonists drove me crazy. Louisa was supposed to be this innocent-but-badass FMC, but honestly, I just found her whiny. Everyone spoiled her rotten, to the point where she was always portrayed as the victim — especially when it came to JT.
I really liked TJ at first, but by the middle of the book, I was already exasperated with his behavior. It felt like he couldn’t decide whether he wanted Louisa to be this fierce, amazing, badass woman or the shy, submissive version of herself. And okay — I get the whole
The BDSM aspect was also really mid — little to no depth, almost like it was just included to tick a trope box.
I really LOVE the friends-to-lovers trope, but here it lacked the build-up: the slow realization that the other person is “the one,” the small changes in behavior, or the sweet “courtship” toward the hesitant friend. For me, everything happened way too fast, and by the end, I was just like, “Okay, just get together already so I can see more of the other characters.”
I’ll probably read another book in this series (definitely the MMF one and Kala’s story — because I NEED to know how those things were resolved).
That said, I LOVED the secondary characters. The twins were amazing, and I was really invested in the little sneak peeks of Kala and Cooper’s relationship, as well as Tristan, Carys, and Aiden. Maybe my rating for this book would be higher if I had started from the first one, but in my opinion, this series really shouldn’t be marketed as “interconnected standalones.”
The writing was good, and the plot itself was also solid, but OMG… the protagonists drove me crazy. Louisa was supposed to be this innocent-but-badass FMC, but honestly, I just found her whiny. Everyone spoiled her rotten, to the point where she was always portrayed as the victim — especially when it came to JT.
I really liked TJ at first, but by the middle of the book, I was already exasperated with his behavior. It felt like he couldn’t decide whether he wanted Louisa to be this fierce, amazing, badass woman or the shy, submissive version of herself. And okay — I get the whole
The BDSM aspect was also really mid — little to no depth, almost like it was just included to tick a trope box.
I really LOVE the friends-to-lovers trope, but here it lacked the build-up: the slow realization that the other person is “the one,” the small changes in behavior, or the sweet “courtship” toward the hesitant friend. For me, everything happened way too fast, and by the end, I was just like, “Okay, just get together already so I can see more of the other characters.”
I’ll probably read another book in this series (definitely the MMF one and Kala’s story — because I NEED to know how those things were resolved).
March 2, 2024
LIVE, LOVE, SPY is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS & MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, Dom/sub romantic suspense series-a spin off-next generation series set in the author’s Master & Mercenaries worlds. This is Special Forces soldier TJ Taggart, and genius / CIA operative Louisa ‘Lou’ Ward’s story line. LIVE, LOVE SPY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY. Lou is the daughter of Boomer and Daphne Ward, and TJ is the son of Theo and Erin Taggart.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub interactions, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from omniscient third person perspective LIVE, LOVE, SPY follows the best friends to lovers relationship between our story line couple. TJ Taggart and Louisa Ward have been best friends most of their lives, and their developing love for one another was constantly being tested. Believing TJ didn’t feel the same Lou was considering looking elsewhere for love until an emergency call sent her team to Germany in an effort to rescue the man that she loved. A rescue, a seduction, an operation involving the CIA, MI6, CSIS and international espionage finds TJ and Louisa facing an adversary that may or may not be connected to the past. What ensues is the rescue and recovery of TJ Taggart, the developing Dom/sub/ love relationship between TJ and Lou, and the potential fall-out as the team is targeted for sins of the past.
Once again, the world building is innovative, intricate and complex; the characters are numerous, charismatic and captivating. The man in charge, Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart is overwhelmed by the shenanigans and sex lives of the next generation, often sending Big Tag into a tail spin in an effort to ‘bleach’ the images from his mind. The moments are humorous, fun and alone, worth the price of admission.
The relationship between Lou and TJ is a best friends to Dom/sub to lovers. TJ and Lou have struggled with their attraction to one another for as long as they can remember. Lou’s attempts at seduction have been rejected by our story line hero but both suffer with issues of low self esteem, both believing they are now worthy of the other’s love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate; the Dom/sub scenes are provocative.
LIVE, LOVE, SPY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, espionage and deception, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is elaborate and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are powerful, determined and resolute.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub interactions, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from omniscient third person perspective LIVE, LOVE, SPY follows the best friends to lovers relationship between our story line couple. TJ Taggart and Louisa Ward have been best friends most of their lives, and their developing love for one another was constantly being tested. Believing TJ didn’t feel the same Lou was considering looking elsewhere for love until an emergency call sent her team to Germany in an effort to rescue the man that she loved. A rescue, a seduction, an operation involving the CIA, MI6, CSIS and international espionage finds TJ and Louisa facing an adversary that may or may not be connected to the past. What ensues is the rescue and recovery of TJ Taggart, the developing Dom/sub/ love relationship between TJ and Lou, and the potential fall-out as the team is targeted for sins of the past.
Once again, the world building is innovative, intricate and complex; the characters are numerous, charismatic and captivating. The man in charge, Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart is overwhelmed by the shenanigans and sex lives of the next generation, often sending Big Tag into a tail spin in an effort to ‘bleach’ the images from his mind. The moments are humorous, fun and alone, worth the price of admission.
The relationship between Lou and TJ is a best friends to Dom/sub to lovers. TJ and Lou have struggled with their attraction to one another for as long as they can remember. Lou’s attempts at seduction have been rejected by our story line hero but both suffer with issues of low self esteem, both believing they are now worthy of the other’s love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate; the Dom/sub scenes are provocative.
LIVE, LOVE, SPY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, espionage and deception, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is elaborate and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are powerful, determined and resolute.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 4, 2024
Louisa Ward had been in love with TJ Taggart ever since he entered her life. The awkward genius wanted the funny, sunny guy to love her back but every time she made a move he would push her back saying that the time wasn’t right. Fifteen years later TJ is back in her life and her feelings for him are as strong as ever. So when they learn that TJ has been captured Lue is the first to orchestrate his rescue.
Being in a life-or-death situation opens your eyes to a lot of things. TJ had the realisation that he couldn’t live without Lue in his life and vowed to fix his relationship with her once they got out alive. The problem is Lue doesn’t believe that he wants to give them a chance because what if it’s all temporary and soon he’ll realise that he only wants to be friends with her?
When someone is trying to frame TJ and later on tries to kidnap Lue they know that they have to work together to figure it out. What started as a cover for the op and a chance to see if they could work could end up being the best thing they ever did. They just have to survive the bad hand they’ve been dealt. Together.
This is the second book in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. It has elements of second chance, friends to lovers, first love and suspense that’ll keep you hooked on every word. There is enough suspense and thriller to balance out the plot and the smut in this spicy book. As with all Lexi Blake books, it delivers a plot-driven story filled with suspense and steamy BDSM romance.
I’ve always known that if I want a great spy thriller book that has romance in it to keep my romantic heart satisfied Lexi Blake won’t disappoint. You start with one book and find yourself reading every other book she puts out. It’s nice seeing some of the “old generation” trying to keep their kids out of trouble.
It was hard to see eye to eye with both Lue and TJ on some stuff but once they start explaining their reasons you find yourself loving them. It’s not a hardship to adore every character in this book and feel curious about their stories. Lue and TJ are cute together but once they get their freaks on sparks start to fly. Their chemistry is off the charts and they find their own normal together.
I can’t wait to read more from this series and get to see each of these other characters find their happy ever afters. I’d recommend this book to every spy thriller with romance and suspense elements that take spicy to a whole new level.
Being in a life-or-death situation opens your eyes to a lot of things. TJ had the realisation that he couldn’t live without Lue in his life and vowed to fix his relationship with her once they got out alive. The problem is Lue doesn’t believe that he wants to give them a chance because what if it’s all temporary and soon he’ll realise that he only wants to be friends with her?
When someone is trying to frame TJ and later on tries to kidnap Lue they know that they have to work together to figure it out. What started as a cover for the op and a chance to see if they could work could end up being the best thing they ever did. They just have to survive the bad hand they’ve been dealt. Together.
This is the second book in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. It has elements of second chance, friends to lovers, first love and suspense that’ll keep you hooked on every word. There is enough suspense and thriller to balance out the plot and the smut in this spicy book. As with all Lexi Blake books, it delivers a plot-driven story filled with suspense and steamy BDSM romance.
I’ve always known that if I want a great spy thriller book that has romance in it to keep my romantic heart satisfied Lexi Blake won’t disappoint. You start with one book and find yourself reading every other book she puts out. It’s nice seeing some of the “old generation” trying to keep their kids out of trouble.
It was hard to see eye to eye with both Lue and TJ on some stuff but once they start explaining their reasons you find yourself loving them. It’s not a hardship to adore every character in this book and feel curious about their stories. Lue and TJ are cute together but once they get their freaks on sparks start to fly. Their chemistry is off the charts and they find their own normal together.
I can’t wait to read more from this series and get to see each of these other characters find their happy ever afters. I’d recommend this book to every spy thriller with romance and suspense elements that take spicy to a whole new level.
March 18, 2024
Louisa Ward has been in love with TJ Taggart since she was 12 years old. But, because she’s brilliant, and TJ knows he’s anything but, he’s always placed her clearly in the friendzone, working closely with his cousin and Louisa’s best friend, Kala Taggart to always protect her from anything and everything.
Fifteen years hasn’t changed much. Louisa still gets butterflies every time she sees TJ, but their friendship leaves her wanting and needing something TJ doesn’t believe he deserves since he doesn’t believe he’s good enough for her. And, she’s ready to move on.
Louisa may not know it, but TJ is desperately in love with her. But, he knows she is made to change the world in amazing ways, and he’s just a soldier. Having a romantic relationship with her was always a sacrifice he was willing to make because she didn’t deserve to be pulled into his world. But, when Lou shows TJ just how capable she is, and that while she may be a brain, she is also a bada$$, everything changes for him in a heartbeat. But can he convince Lou to give him a chance with her heart when she’s already decided it was time to move on?
So many feels for this book and this couple! I always loved the nerdy little girl that the entire McKay-Taggart family adopted as one of their own when Boomer married the single mom. Lou’s relationship with Kala and what they both provide emotionally for each other is epic and I love watching that be showcased in this book. I adored just how capable Lou is both behind a computer and in the field, especially knowing that isn’t her comfort zone.
TJ . . . lordy, talk about a beautiful man that is all heart and muscle, but lacks the common sense and emotional IQ to understand just how good he could be for Lou if he only let himself, rather than worry that he isn’t smart enough to be with her. It truly took a kidnapping for him to get a clue as well as some tough love from his mother (Erin was so brilliant in this book) and some love and relationship advice from his father (yep - Theo’s still a Swifty).
I adored the back and forth. I loved the surprise guest visitors from across the pond. Ian is spectacular, as always. The suspense was fantastic and ohhh does it set up one heck of an arc for the next book! Live, Love, Spy was everything I could have wanted for the shy nerdy girl always looking to be loved and for the boy who finally realized he was more than enough. 5 stars!
Fifteen years hasn’t changed much. Louisa still gets butterflies every time she sees TJ, but their friendship leaves her wanting and needing something TJ doesn’t believe he deserves since he doesn’t believe he’s good enough for her. And, she’s ready to move on.
Louisa may not know it, but TJ is desperately in love with her. But, he knows she is made to change the world in amazing ways, and he’s just a soldier. Having a romantic relationship with her was always a sacrifice he was willing to make because she didn’t deserve to be pulled into his world. But, when Lou shows TJ just how capable she is, and that while she may be a brain, she is also a bada$$, everything changes for him in a heartbeat. But can he convince Lou to give him a chance with her heart when she’s already decided it was time to move on?
So many feels for this book and this couple! I always loved the nerdy little girl that the entire McKay-Taggart family adopted as one of their own when Boomer married the single mom. Lou’s relationship with Kala and what they both provide emotionally for each other is epic and I love watching that be showcased in this book. I adored just how capable Lou is both behind a computer and in the field, especially knowing that isn’t her comfort zone.
TJ . . . lordy, talk about a beautiful man that is all heart and muscle, but lacks the common sense and emotional IQ to understand just how good he could be for Lou if he only let himself, rather than worry that he isn’t smart enough to be with her. It truly took a kidnapping for him to get a clue as well as some tough love from his mother (Erin was so brilliant in this book) and some love and relationship advice from his father (yep - Theo’s still a Swifty).
I adored the back and forth. I loved the surprise guest visitors from across the pond. Ian is spectacular, as always. The suspense was fantastic and ohhh does it set up one heck of an arc for the next book! Live, Love, Spy was everything I could have wanted for the shy nerdy girl always looking to be loved and for the boy who finally realized he was more than enough. 5 stars!
February 15, 2024
My absolute favorite OG couple is a main part of the secondary cast and I'm so over the moon with everything about them as parents, I couldn't stop smiling. 😍❤️ As if Erin and Theo returning wasn't the absolute best thing ever, and I'm not talking about just a page here and there because this book is about TJ and TJ is their oldest son, but Erin and Theo are like thereeeeeeeeeee, okay....the entire cast is just delicious, seriously OG and NG made my reading world super happy!!!! It's everything...how they interact with one another, how they love one another, accept one another, whether it's supportive, loving, snarky, it's how family should be and I couldn’t get enough.
TJ Taggart is a great combination of both of his parents; a lovable golden retriever like his dad and also someone who felt he something to prove like his mom. He's a beautiful blend that made him both, hard to watch while he make mistakes, but also worth it when he blossomed into the man he was meant to be.
Louisa, or Lou, is also a wonderful product of her blended and found family. She's extremely intelligent and has been forever in love with TJ. However, she's never really understood why they can't be together and doesn't understand the pitfalls of falling for her soulmate so young.
TJ has loved Louisa Ward pretty much his entire life, but he was also in a place where he realized that Lou was going to do great things and he would only hold her back. That's an impossible spot to be in when you love someone. Wanting to be by their side when they do all those great things is what you want to do...but true love is letting them fly when you believe you truly would hold them back and most likely in a cage of their own making. TJ is wise beyond his years and once again...loved him and also sometimes didn't love him because of this wiseness. It's makes so much sense, but like....LOVE, come on dude, LOL....JK....stick with him because he's honestly, really great and so is Lou.
Their back and forth, their push and pull, as they find a path to love is amazing, and also a bit heartbreaking at times, but truly worth the fight. I can't stress enough how much I adore everything about these new recruits and how much I love this huge found family. Plus the ending!!!!! Gah, I can't wait until the next book and all the things that will be revealed.
TJ Taggart is a great combination of both of his parents; a lovable golden retriever like his dad and also someone who felt he something to prove like his mom. He's a beautiful blend that made him both, hard to watch while he make mistakes, but also worth it when he blossomed into the man he was meant to be.
Louisa, or Lou, is also a wonderful product of her blended and found family. She's extremely intelligent and has been forever in love with TJ. However, she's never really understood why they can't be together and doesn't understand the pitfalls of falling for her soulmate so young.
TJ has loved Louisa Ward pretty much his entire life, but he was also in a place where he realized that Lou was going to do great things and he would only hold her back. That's an impossible spot to be in when you love someone. Wanting to be by their side when they do all those great things is what you want to do...but true love is letting them fly when you believe you truly would hold them back and most likely in a cage of their own making. TJ is wise beyond his years and once again...loved him and also sometimes didn't love him because of this wiseness. It's makes so much sense, but like....LOVE, come on dude, LOL....JK....stick with him because he's honestly, really great and so is Lou.
Their back and forth, their push and pull, as they find a path to love is amazing, and also a bit heartbreaking at times, but truly worth the fight. I can't stress enough how much I adore everything about these new recruits and how much I love this huge found family. Plus the ending!!!!! Gah, I can't wait until the next book and all the things that will be revealed.
March 8, 2024
Full review at Bookishly Ruby
The newest Lexi Blake book just dropped and you guys, I know I say this literally every time, but this time this may be my absolute favorite one. It had all the elements of a Lexi Blake book: action, scorching hot sex scenes, some good soul searching, truth bombs being dropped, Ian sarcasm, funny moments, and absolute chaos. It’s always fun to be in this world, so I’m always more than happy to return to it.
Live, Love, Spy is the story of Lou and TJ Taggart. If you’ve read the books up until now, you may recognize Lou as the adorable and genius little girl from Delighted. Lou grew up to be a wonderful young woman, one who is still awkward at heart, but one who knows how to take charge when the need is there. Despite how helpful her friendship with Kala and Kenzie Taggart was to her growing up, she still has her moments of self doubt and insecurities, and those are more pronounced in relation to TJ Taggart. I really liked seeing Lou thinking over her past moments with TJ and trying to accept his side of things. But at the same time I also loved how she was willing to try to move on from this love she had for TJ that apparently wasn’t reciprocated. What I loved about Lou’s journey is that it showed how very different what people’s intentions and how other people perceive their intentions and actions can be. It doesn’t matter that TJ had Lou’s best interest at heart, and it didn’t matter how the people around them felt. What matters was that Lou perceived his actions in a very different way, and that made her experience his rejection very differently than what he had intended.
TJ is the son of Theo and Erin. I really really got nostalgic whenever there were scenes with him and his parents, because they went through so much to get to where they are now. TJ grew up in a very loving home, and even though no one was mean to him, no one belittled him or made him feel less than, he has this idea that he isn’t as smart as what he thinks Lou’s ideal partner should be. I loved that because it showed perfectly that while nature and nurture are very important, what we feel and think about ourselves when we’re all alone with our own thoughts is also very important.
The newest Lexi Blake book just dropped and you guys, I know I say this literally every time, but this time this may be my absolute favorite one. It had all the elements of a Lexi Blake book: action, scorching hot sex scenes, some good soul searching, truth bombs being dropped, Ian sarcasm, funny moments, and absolute chaos. It’s always fun to be in this world, so I’m always more than happy to return to it.
Live, Love, Spy is the story of Lou and TJ Taggart. If you’ve read the books up until now, you may recognize Lou as the adorable and genius little girl from Delighted. Lou grew up to be a wonderful young woman, one who is still awkward at heart, but one who knows how to take charge when the need is there. Despite how helpful her friendship with Kala and Kenzie Taggart was to her growing up, she still has her moments of self doubt and insecurities, and those are more pronounced in relation to TJ Taggart. I really liked seeing Lou thinking over her past moments with TJ and trying to accept his side of things. But at the same time I also loved how she was willing to try to move on from this love she had for TJ that apparently wasn’t reciprocated. What I loved about Lou’s journey is that it showed how very different what people’s intentions and how other people perceive their intentions and actions can be. It doesn’t matter that TJ had Lou’s best interest at heart, and it didn’t matter how the people around them felt. What matters was that Lou perceived his actions in a very different way, and that made her experience his rejection very differently than what he had intended.
TJ is the son of Theo and Erin. I really really got nostalgic whenever there were scenes with him and his parents, because they went through so much to get to where they are now. TJ grew up in a very loving home, and even though no one was mean to him, no one belittled him or made him feel less than, he has this idea that he isn’t as smart as what he thinks Lou’s ideal partner should be. I loved that because it showed perfectly that while nature and nurture are very important, what we feel and think about ourselves when we’re all alone with our own thoughts is also very important.
March 2, 2024
TJ Taggart has always had his heart set on one girl but he has never felt like he is deserving of her. When he is put in a near death situation he decides that he can't live without her and if he makes it out alive he will finally take his chance.
Louisa Ward has been in love with TJ since she was 12 years old but now she thinks it may be time for her to finally move on and begin dating. When she discovers that TJ is being held captive is she willing to risk her life for his?
Will TJ and Louisa be able to straighten out their feelings for each other in time? Are they willing to put in the work for their happy ever after?
This is the first book I have read in this series so I imagine that there is so much that I am not aware of which other readers may understand more.
I liked TJ but I was confused a little about why he was willing to risk a dom/sub relationship with Louisa before trying to establish a real relationship with her. I know I don't understand the dynamics of previous books and the bdsm clubs in the books but I thought he'd try and show how much he loved her before claiming her as his sub. He was extremely loyal to his family and that was truly important to him to protect.
Louisa was very insecure with herself and felt like no one was interested in her not knowing the fear that both Kala and TJ put in others growing up. She was completely in love with TJ and I was surprised she agreed to be his sub before a relationship as I felt like that could possibly hurt her more.
There was a lot of chemistry between TJ and Louisa as they had both wanted each other for so long but neither truly admitted to the other how they felt. There were moments that things could have happened but nothing ever occurred in the past.
There was a lot of mystery surrounding why TJ was taken and if Louisa could also be targeted and it was interesting watching them figure everything out and who was all involved.
I liked watching the characters piecing everything together and watching TJ and Louisa figure out what was most important to them.
3.5 Stars- Rebecca
Louisa Ward has been in love with TJ since she was 12 years old but now she thinks it may be time for her to finally move on and begin dating. When she discovers that TJ is being held captive is she willing to risk her life for his?
Will TJ and Louisa be able to straighten out their feelings for each other in time? Are they willing to put in the work for their happy ever after?
This is the first book I have read in this series so I imagine that there is so much that I am not aware of which other readers may understand more.
I liked TJ but I was confused a little about why he was willing to risk a dom/sub relationship with Louisa before trying to establish a real relationship with her. I know I don't understand the dynamics of previous books and the bdsm clubs in the books but I thought he'd try and show how much he loved her before claiming her as his sub. He was extremely loyal to his family and that was truly important to him to protect.
Louisa was very insecure with herself and felt like no one was interested in her not knowing the fear that both Kala and TJ put in others growing up. She was completely in love with TJ and I was surprised she agreed to be his sub before a relationship as I felt like that could possibly hurt her more.
There was a lot of chemistry between TJ and Louisa as they had both wanted each other for so long but neither truly admitted to the other how they felt. There were moments that things could have happened but nothing ever occurred in the past.
There was a lot of mystery surrounding why TJ was taken and if Louisa could also be targeted and it was interesting watching them figure everything out and who was all involved.
I liked watching the characters piecing everything together and watching TJ and Louisa figure out what was most important to them.
3.5 Stars- Rebecca
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